HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 07 Approval to Apply for and Accept the BJA FY25 Edward Byrne Memorial JAG
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: June 16, 2026
Item #: 7
Contact Name: Scott Nylander Department Director: Vincent Ogburn
Contact Number: Ext. 3315 City Manager: Craig Shadrix
Subject: Approval to Apply for and Accept the BJA FY25 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance Grant (JAG). (Police Chief Ogburn)
Background Summary:
The U.S. Department of Justice will award $14,106 to the City of Ocoee Police Department through the
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. This funding is made to eligible units of
local government to, in general, support hiring additional personnel and/or purchase equipment, supplies,
contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for criminal justice or civil
proceedings, towards any law enforcement program. If approved for this funding, the police department will
utilize the funds towards an outdoor K9 Training Facility located on the property of the Ocoee Regional Law
Enforcement Training Facility.
Issue:
Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commission authorize the Ocoee Police Department to apply for and
accept the $14,106 via the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, allowing the Police Department
to utilize the funds towards an outdoor K9 Training Facility?
Recommendations:
Staff recommends that the Honorable Mayor and City Commission authorize the Ocoee Police Department to
apply for and accept $14,106 through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, allowing the
Police Department to use the funds toward an outdoor K9 Training Facility.
Attachments:
1. Full Application
2. Initial Application
3. BJA FY25 JAG Program - Local Formula
Financial Impacts:
The $14,106 is available to the Ocoee Police Department through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance Grant (JAG). No matching funds are required by the City.
Type of Item: Consent
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OMB No. 1121-0329
Approval Expires 02/28/2027
BJA FY25 Edward
Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance Grant (JAG)
Program – Local
Formula
Total Amount To Be Awarded Under This Funding
Opportunity: $96,384,585
Anticipated Award Ceiling: Up to $4,098,693
Anticipated Period of Performance Duration: 48 months
Funding Opportunity Number: O-BJA-2025-172542
Deadline to submit SF-424 in Grants.gov: April 21, 2026 by 11:59pm Eastern Time
Deadline to submit application in JustGrants: April 28, 2026 by 5:00pm Eastern Time
U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Progra
CONTENTS
Basic Information ................................................................................................ 3
Eligibility .............................................................................................................. 7
Program Description ........................................................................................... 8
Application Contents, Submission Requirements, and Deadlines ............... 13
Application Review ........................................................................................... 26
Award Notices .................................................................................................... 27
Post-Award Requirements and Administration .............................................. 28
Other Information .............................................................................................. 30
Application Checklist ........................................................................................ 31
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BASIC INFORMATION
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau
of Justice Assistance (BJA) is accepting applications for funding in response to
this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO).
Agency Name
NOFO Title
Announcement Type
Funding Opportunity Number
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
BJA FY25 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance
Grant (JAG) Program – Local Formula
Initial
O-BJA-2025-172542
Assistance Listing Number 16.738
Executive Summary
This NOFO will provide formula funding to eligible units of local government to, in general,
support hiring additional personnel and/or purchase equipment, supplies, contractual support,
training, technical assistance, and information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings ,
including for any one or more of the following program areas:
1. Law enforcement programs.
2. Prosecution and court programs.
3. Prevention and education programs.
4. Corrections and community corrections programs.
5. Drug treatment and enforcement programs.
6. Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs.
7. Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).
8. Mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs, including
behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams.
9. Implementation of state crisis intervention court proceedings and related programs or
initiatives, including but not limited to mental health courts, drug courts, veterans courts, and
extreme risk protection order programs.
10. Programs to purchase and operate unmanned aircraft systems (as defined in section 44801
of title 49, United States Code) to benefit public safety.
11. Programs to purchase and operate counter-UAS systems (as defined in section 44801 of
title 49, United States Code) included on the list of technologies established by subsection
(d)(2)(A)(iii) section 210G of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 124n(d)(2)(A)(iii))
to exercise the authority granted under subsection (a)(2) of such section.
• Category 1: Applicants with allocation amounts less than $25,000
Category 1 provides formula funding to eligible units of local government with FY25 JAG
allocations less than $25,000 as listed on the JAG Allocations webpage. Applicants must
use JAG funds consistent with the programmatic requirements outlined in this NOFO.
• Category 2: Applicants with allocation amounts $25,000 or more
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Category 2 provides formula funding to eligible units of local government with FY25 JAG
allocations of $25,000 or more as listed on the JAG Allocations webpage. Applicants must
use JAG funds consistent with the programmatic requirements outlined in this NOFO.
Please see the Eligible Applicants section for the eligibility criteria.
OJP is committed to advancing work that furthers DOJ’s mission to uphold the rule of law, to
keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights. OJP provides federal leadership, funding, and
other critical resources to directly support law enforcement, combat violent crime, protect
American children, provide services to American crime victims, and address public safety
challenges, including human trafficking and the opioid crisis.
Key Dates and Times
Funding Opportunity Release Date March 13, 2026
SAM.gov Registration/Renewal Recommend beginning process by March 13,
2026, and no later than March 27, 2026
Step 1: Grants.gov Application Deadline 11 :59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 21, 2026
Step 2: JustGrants Application Deadline 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 28, 2026
Funding Details
Total Amount To Be Awarded Under This Funding Opportunity: $96,384,585
•C-BJA-2025-00118-PROD, Category 1: Applicants with allocation amounts
less than$25,000
o Anticipated Number of Awards: 637
o Anticipated Award Ceiling: $24,975
o Anticipated Period of Performance Start Date: October 1, 2024
o Anticipated Period of Performance Duration: 24 months
•C-BJA-2025-00119-PROD, Category 2: Applicants with allocation amounts
$25,000 or more
o Anticipated Number of Awards: 593
o Anticipated Award Ceiling: $4,098,693
o Anticipated Period of Performance Start Date: October 1, 2024
o Anticipated Period of Performance Duration: 48 months
Availability of Funds
This funding opportunity, and awards under this funding opportunity, are subject to the
availability of funding and any changes or additional requirements that may be imposed by the
agency or by law. In addition, nothing in this NOFO is intended to, nor does it, create any right
or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the
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United States or its departments, agencies, entities, officers, employees, agents, or any other
person.
Statutory Authority
Pub. L. No. 90-351, Title I, Part E, subpart 1 (codified at 34 U.S.C. 10151-10158); see also 28
U.S.C. 530C(a).
Agency Contact Information
For assistance with the requirements of this funding opportunity:
OJP Response Center
Phone: 800-851-3420 or 202-353-5556 (TTY for hearing-impaired callers only)
Email: OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
Hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) Monday–Friday
For assistance with SAM.gov (registration/renewal):
SAM.gov Help Desk
Web: SAM.gov Help Desk (Federal Service Desk)
Hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET Monday–Friday, except on
federal holidays
For assistance with Grants.gov (registration, submission of the Application for Federal
Assistance SF-424):
Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline
Phone: 800-518-4726, 606-545-5035
Email: support@grants.gov
Web: Grants.gov Customer Support
Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except on federal holidays
For assistance with JustGrants (registration, submission of full application):
JustGrants Service Desk
Phone: 833-872-5175
Email: JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov
Hours of operation: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET Monday–Friday and 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays.
For procedures related to unforeseen technical issues beyond the control of the
applicant that impact submission by the deadlines, see Experiencing Technical Issues
Preventing Submission of an Application (Technical Waivers).
Resources for Applying
OJP Grant Application Resource Guide: Referred to as the Application Resource Guide
throughout the NOFO, this resource provides guidance to help applicants for OJP funding
prepare and submit their applications.
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JustGrants Application Submission Training Webpage: Offers helpful information and
resources on the grant application process.
Note: If this NOFO requires something different from any guidance provided in the Application
Resource Guide, the difference will be noted in this NOFO and the applicant should follow the
guidance in this NOFO.
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Basic
Information
Eligibility Program Deadlines & Application Award Post-Award Other Application
Description Contents Review Notices Requirements Information Checklist
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible Applicants
The types of entities that are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity are
listed below:
• Government Entities
o Special district governments
o City or township governments
o County governments
o Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
By law, for purposes of the JAG Program, the term “units of local government” includes a town,
township, village, parish, city, county, borough, or other general-purpose political subdivision of
a state, or it may be a federally recognized American Indian tribal government that performs law
enforcement functions (as determined by the Secretary of the Interior). A unit of local
government also may be any law enforcement district or judicial enforcement district
established under applicable state law with authority to independently establish a budget and
impose taxes; for example, in Louisiana, a unit of local government means a district attorney or
parish sheriff.
Prior to starting an application to this NOFO, all prospective unit of local government
applicants should check the JAG Allocation page and the link to their relevant state to
determine if they are eligible for a direct award from BJA.
• Eligible applicants with allocation amounts of less than $25,000 must apply to
Category 1.
• Eligible applicants with allocation amounts of $25,000 or more must apply to Category 2.
• Only one eligible unit of local government that is a member of a disparate group may
apply for funding as the fiscal agent for the other members of the group.
• Applications from ineligible units of local government (i.e., not listed in the allocation
charts) will not be accepted for funding.
Cost Sharing/Match Requirement
This NOFO does not require cost sharing/match.
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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
General Purpose of the Funding
This NOFO will provide formula funding to eligible units of local government to, in
general, support hiring additional personnel and/or purchase equipment,
supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for
criminal justice or civil proceedings, including for any one or more of the following program
areas:
1. Law enforcement programs.
2. Prosecution and court programs.
3. Prevention and education programs.
4. Corrections and community corrections programs.
5. Drug treatment and enforcement programs.
6. Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs.
7. Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).
8. Mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs, including
behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams.
9. Implementation of state crisis intervention court proceedings and related programs or
initiatives, including but not limited to mental health courts, drug courts, veterans courts, and
extreme risk protection order programs.
10. Programs to purchase and operate unmanned aircraft systems (as defined in section 44801
of title 49, United States Code) to benefit public safety.
11. Programs to purchase and operate counter-UAS systems (as defined in section 44801 of
title 49, United States Code) included on the list of technologies established by subsection
(d)(2)(A)(iii) section 210G of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 124n(d)(2)(A)(iii))
to exercise the authority granted under subsection (a)(2) of such section.
This NOFO has two categories:
Category 1: Applicants with allocation amounts less than $25,000
Category 1 provides formula funding to eligible units of local government with FY25 JAG
allocations less than $25,000 as listed on the JAG Allocations webpage. Applicants must
use JAG funds consistent with the programmatic requirements outlined in this NOFO.
Category 2: Applicants with allocation amounts $25,000 or more
Category 2 provides formula funding to eligible units of local government with FY25 JAG
allocations of $25,000 or more as listed on the JAG Allocations webpage. Applicants
must use JAG funds consistent with the programmatic requirements outlined in this
NOFO.
In connection with all of the above purposes, it should be noted that the JAG statute, at 34
U.S.C. § 10152, defines “criminal justice” as “activities pertaining to crime prevention, control, or
reduction, or the enforcement of the criminal law, including but not limited to police efforts to
prevent, control, or reduce crime or to apprehend criminals, including juveniles, activities of
courts having criminal jurisdiction, and related agencies (including but not limited to
prosecutorial and defender services, juvenile delinquency agencies and pretrial service or
release agencies), activities of corrections, probation, or parole authorities and related agencies
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assisting in the rehabilitation, supervision, and care of criminal offenders, and programs relating
to the prevention, control, or reduction of narcotic addiction and juvenile delinquency.”
Additionally, JAG funds awarded under this NOFO may be used for any purpose indicated here:
Purposes for Which Funds Awarded Under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance
Grants (JAG) Program May Be Used.
Areas of Emphasis
BJA recognizes that many state and local criminal justice systems currently face challenging
fiscal environments and that an important, cost-effective way to relieve those pressures is to
share or leverage resources through cooperation among federal, state, local, tribal and territorial
(SLTT) law enforcement. BJA encourages SLTT recipients of FY25 JAG funding to join federal
law enforcement agencies in addressing the following challenges:
Combatting Violent Crime: JAG funds may be used to implement, enhance, or expand
projects that combat violent crime. This should include directly supporting law
enforcement operations. Specific activities could include addressing human trafficking of
American citizens; dismantling criminal gangs, street crews, and drug networks,
including drug manufacturing, dealing, and trafficking; and cracking down on the open
use of illegal drugs. State and local agencies are encouraged to coordinate with their
United States Attorneys and Project Safe Neighborhoods grantees in order to leverage
JAG funding for violence reduction projects, to include the DOJ Operation Take Back
America to eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations; and to coordinate
their law enforcement activities with those of federal law enforcement agencies such as
the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals
Service, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Further, state and local agencies may use JAG funds to protect the public, critical
infrastructure, mass gathering events, and public facilities from threats posed by the
careless or unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) as well as to interrupt drug
cartels use of UAS for smuggling and surveilling law enforcement, to include purchase of
UAS (see BJA’s UAS page for prior approval requirements before using JAG funds for
UAS or counter-UAS) or equipment or services for the detection, tracking, or
identification of drones and drone signals.
Immigration Enforcement: State and local agencies may use JAG funds to partner with
federal law enforcement on immigration enforcement operations (e.g., information
sharing, 287(g) partnerships, task forces, and honoring detainers), protecting critical
infrastructures, and information/intelligence problems.
Safe Communities: State and local agencies may use JAG funds to support services to
American citizens and American victims of crime to create safe communities. JAG funds
can be used to collaborate with federal law enforcement and task forces to address
endemic vagrancy and encampments that create safe havens for drugs, crime, and
human trafficking. Additionally, state and local agencies may use JAG funds to focus on
improving public order and quality of life through enforcement and prosecution of
nuisance abatement and blight including, among other things, petty larceny and criminal
damage to property, as well as utilization of maximally flexible civil commitment,
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institutional treatment, and step-down treatment standards to address untreated mental
health and substance use disorders. JAG funds may also be used to support American
victims of trafficking and sexual assault.
Safe Houses of Worship: State and local agencies may use JAG funds to respond to
and deter threats to houses of worship and other religious institutions, including religious
schools. Religious institutions have recently been targeted for acts of violence and
desecration. These organizations typically lack sufficient security resources to respond
to heightened threats. State and local law enforcement support to houses of worship,
religious schools, and other religious institutions is an effective way to combat such
threats.
Applicants should refer to Application Contents, Submission Requirements, and Deadlines:
Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative for information on allowable and unallowable costs that
may inform the development of their project design.
Unallowable Uses of Funds
The following are certain unallowable costs and certain activities that are out of the program
scope and will not be funded.
1. Out of program scope is any program or activity, at any tier that, directly or indirectly,
violates (or promotes or facilitates the violation of) federal immigration law (including 8
U.S.C. § 1373) or impedes or hinders the enforcement of federal immigration law—
including by failing to comply with 8 U.S.C. § 1373, give access to DHS agents, or honor
DHS requests and provide requested notice to DHS agents.
2. Out of program scope is any program or activity, at any tier that violates any applicable
Federal civil rights or nondiscrimination law. This includes violations that – (1) indirectly
violate the law, including by promoting or facilitating violations; or (2) unlawfully favor
individuals in any race or protected group, including on a majority or minority, or
privileged or unprivileged, basis, within a given area, population, or sector.
3. As specified in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide, in Chapter 3.13 “Unallowable Costs”
(“Legal Services for Aliens”), any obligations of funds, at any tier, under this award to
provide (or to support the provision of) legal services to any removable alien or any alien
otherwise unlawfully present in the United States shall be unallowable costs for
purposes any award made under this notice, but the foregoing shall not be understood to
apply— (1) to legal services to obtain protection orders for victims of crime; or (2) to
immigration-related legal services that may be expressly authorized or required by any
law, or any judicial ruling, governing or applicable to the award.
Formula Allocations
The FY25 Local JAG Allocations are listed on the JAG Allocations webpage, with separate lists
for each state. As explained in Eligibility, only listed eligible units of local government
may apply to receive direct JAG funding from BJA.
According to the JAG Program statute, a “disparity” may exist between the funding eligibility of a
county and its associated municipalities. See 34 U.S.C. § 10156(d)(4). Units of local
government identified by BJA as disparate must select a fiscal agent that will submit an
application for the total allocation that includes all disparate jurisdictions. A memorandum
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of understanding (MOU) that identifies which jurisdiction will serve as the applicant or fiscal
agent for joint funds must be completed and signed by each participating jurisdiction’s
authorized representative. Once an award is made, the fiscal agent will be responsible for
distributing award funds to the other jurisdictions in the disparate group through subawards that
include all appropriate award conditions. Notes on identifying disparity in the allocation lists:
• Disparate units of local government are listed in shaded groups, in alphabetic order by
county. Units of local government identified as disparate must select one unit of local
government to submit an application on behalf of the disparate group.
• Counties that have an asterisk (*) under the “Direct Allocation" column did not submit the
level of violent crime data to qualify for a direct award from BJA but are in the disparate
grouping indicated by the shaded area. The JAG legislation requires these counties to
remain a partner with the local jurisdictions receiving funds and be a signatory on the
required MOU.
• Direct allocations are listed alphabetically below the shaded disparate groupings.
Please note that disparate jurisdictions do not need to abide by the listed individual
allocations. Jurisdictions in a funding disparity are responsible for determining
individual amounts within the Eligible Joint Allocation and documenting individual
allocations in the MOU. See the JAG FAQs for more information. A sample MOU is also
available.
The JAG statutory formula is fully described within the JAG Technical Report.
Other JAG Statutory Requirements
Certification and Assurances: The JAG statute, at 34 U.S.C. § 10153 (A)(1-5), details
requirements related to governing body review and public comment of a JAG application,
prohibition on supplanting, as well as other requirements for which JAG recipients must submit
to BJA certification and assurances. See Additional Application Components section for more
details.
Prohibited Items: The JAG statute, at 34 U.S.C. § 10152, prohibits the use of JAG funds for
certain items, and prohibits the use of JAG funds for other items unless BJA grants a waiver.
The JAG Prohibited Expenditures Guidance provides lists, details, definitions, and procedures
for prohibited expenditures under the BJA JAG Program. See Application Contents, Submission
Requirements, and Deadlines: Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative and Additional
Application Components for more details.
Administrative Costs: The JAG statute, at 34 U.S.C. § 10152, requires that not more than 10
percent of a JAG grant may be used for costs incurred to administer such grant. See Application
Contents, Submission Requirements, and Deadlines: Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative
for more details.
Trust Fund: The JAG statute, at 34 U.S.C. § 10158, requires that a State or unit of local
government that elects to draw down JAG funds in advance must establish a trust fund in which
to deposit amounts. The trust fund must be in an interest-bearing account, unless one of the
exceptions in 2 C.F.R. § 200.305(b)(11) apply. See the JAG FAQs for more details.
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Program Goals and Objectives
Goal: Improve the administration of the criminal justice system.
Objective 1: Provide states with additional personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual
support, training, technical assistance, and information systems.
Objective 2: Assist units of local government with their criminal justice needs.
How Awards Will Contribute to Program Goals/Objectives
BJA anticipates that unit of local government recipients of JAG funding will use the funding to
improve the administration of the criminal justice system.
Expected Outcomes: Deliverables and Performance Measures
To achieve the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity, OJP has identified expected
deliverables that must be produced by a recipient. OJP has also identified performance
measures (pieces of data) that will indicate how a recipient is achieving the performance goals
and objectives identified above. Recipients will need to collect and report this performance
measure data to OJP.
OJP will measure success by reviewing a recipient's submission of performance reports and
data and the extent to which project implementation reflects progress toward the goals and
objectives of this NOFO.
Deliverables
Recipients under this funding opportunity will not submit any deliverables beyond the standard
Post-Award Requirements and Administration.
Performance Measures
OJP will require each award recipient to submit regular performance reports that communicate
progress toward achieving the goals and objectives identified in Program Goals and Objectives.
Applicants can visit OJP’s performance measurement page at ojp.gov/performance for more
information on performance measurement activities.
A list of performance measure questions for this funding opportunity can be found at:
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/performance-measures/jag-measures.pdf.
Funding Instrument
OJP expects to make awards under this funding opportunity as grants. See the “Administrative,
National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements” section of the Application Resource Guide for a
brief discussion of important statutes, regulations, and award conditions.
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APPLICATION CONTENTS, SUBMISSION
REQUIREMENTS, AND DEADLINES
This NOFO contains all the information needed to apply for this funding
opportunity. The application for this funding opportunity is submitted through
web-based forms and attachments in Grants.gov and JustGrants through the steps that follow.
Unique Entity Identifiers (UEIs) and SAM.gov Registration
To submit an application, an applicant must have an active registration in the System for Award
Management (SAM.gov). SAM.gov assigns entities a unique entity identifier (UEI) that is
required for the entity to apply for federal funding. Applicants will enter their UEI with their
application. Award recipients must then maintain an active UEI for the duration of their award's
period of performance.
First-time Registration: Entities registering in SAM.gov for the first time will submit information
about their entity type and structure, financial information (such as dates of the fiscal year,
banking information, and executive compensation), entity points of contact, and other
information. The information is reviewed and verified by SAM.gov, and then a UEI is issued.
This process may take several weeks, so entities considering applying for funding should begin
the registration process as soon as possible.
Renewing an Existing Registration: Entities must renew their SAM.gov registration every 12
months to keep it active. If an entity does not renew their SAM.gov registration, it will expire. An
expired registration can delay or prevent the submission of an application for funding in
Grants.gov and JustGrants.
Applicants are encouraged to start the SAM.gov registration or renewal process at least 30
days prior to the application’s Grants.gov deadline. Applicants who fail to begin the
registration or renewal process at least 10 business days prior to the Grants.gov deadline may
not be able to complete the process in time and will not be considered for a technical waiver that
allows for late submission.
Submission Instructions: Summary
Applications must be submitted to DOJ electronically through a two-step process that begins in
Grants.gov and is completed in JustGrants. See Basic Information: Key Dates and Times for the
Grants.gov and JustGrants application deadlines.
• Step 1: The applicant must submit the required Application for Federal Assistance SF-
424 by the Grants.gov deadline.
• Step 2: The applicant must submit the full application, including attachments, through
JustGrants by the deadline (see JusticeGrants.usdoj.gov).
Submission Step 1: Grants.gov Submission of SF-424
Access/Registration
If the applicant does not already have a Grants.gov account, they will need to register for this
opportunity in Grants.gov. Applicants should follow the Grants.gov Quick Start Guide for
Applicants to register, create a workspace, assign roles, submit an application, and troubleshoot
issues.
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Submission of the SF-424
Applicants will begin the application process in Grants.gov with the submission of the SF-424,
which collects the applicant’s name, address, and UEI; the funding opportunity number; and
proposed project title, among other information. The SF-424 must be signed by the Grants.gov
Authorized Organizational Representative for the applicant.
See the Application Resource Guide for additional information on completing the SF-424.
Section 8F – Applicant Point of Contact: Please include the name and contact information of
the individual who will complete the application in JustGrants. JustGrants will use this
information (i.e., email address) to assign the application to this user in JustGrants.
Section 19 – Intergovernmental Review: This funding opportunity is subject to Executive
Order (E.O.) 12372 (Intergovernmental Review). States that participate in the Intergovernmental
Review process have an opportunity to review the applicant’s submission. An applicant may find
the names and addresses of state Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) for Intergovernmental
Review at https://www.ojp.gov/IntergovernmentalReviewSPOCList.pdf. If the applicant’s state
appears on the SPOC list, the applicant must contact its SPOC to find out about, and comply
with, the state’s process under E.O. 12372. On the SF-424, an applicant whose state appears
on the SPOC list must make the appropriate selection in response to question 19 once the
applicant has complied with its state E.O. 12372 process. An applicant whose state does not
appear on the SPOC list should answer question 19 by selecting, “Program is subject to E.O.
12372 but has not been selected by the state for review.”
An applicant should submit the SF-424 as early as possible and recommended not later
than 48 hours before the Grants.gov deadline. If an applicant fails to submit the SF-424 in
Grants.gov by the deadline, they will be unable to submit their application in JustGrants.
Once the first part of the application has been successfully submitted in Grants.gov, the
Grants.gov Workspace status will change from “In Progress” to “Submitted.” Applicants will also
receive a series of four Grants.gov email notifications. Refer to the DOJ Application Submission
Checklist for additional details.
If an applicant needs to update information in the SF-424 after it is submitted in Grants.gov, they
can update the information as part of their JustGrants submission (see Application Contents,
Submission Requirements, and Deadlines: Standard Applicant Information ). They do not need
to submit an update in Grants.gov.
Submission Step 2: JustGrants Submission of Full Application
Access/Registration
For first-time JustGrants applicants, once the application is received from Grants.gov, DOJ will
send an email (from DIAMD-NoReply@usdoj.gov) to the email address listed in Section 8F of
the SF-424 with instructions on how to create a JustGrants account. This email should arrive
within 24 hours after confirmation from Grants.gov of the SF-424 submission.
Creating and setting up a JustGrants account consists of three steps:
1. Follow the instructions in the email to first confirm who will be the Entity Administrator
(the person who manages which staff can access JustGrants on behalf of the applicant).
2. Log in to JustGrants and confirm the information in the Entity Profile.
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3. Invite other individuals who will serve as the Application Submitter and the Authorized
Representative for the applicant to register for JustGrants.
These steps should be completed in JustGrants as early as possible and recommended not
later than 48 hours before the JustGrants deadline. Once registered in JustGrants, the
Application Submitter will receive a link in an email to complete the rest of the application in
JustGrants. Applicants can find additional information on JustGrants registration in the DOJ
Grant Application Submission Checklist.
Preparing for Submission
Some of the required sections of the application will be entered directly into JustGrants, and
other sections will require documents to be uploaded and attached. Therefore, applicants
should allow enough time before the JustGrants deadline to prepare, ente r, and upload all the
requirements of the application.
Applicants may save their application in the system and add to or change the application as
needed prior to hitting the “Submit” button at the end of the application in JustGrants. After the
application deadline, no changes or additions can be made to the application. OJP
recommends that applicants submit the complete application package in JustGrants at
least 48 hours prior to the JustGrants deadline.
For additional information, including file name and type requirements, see the “How To Apply”
section in the Application Resource Guide.
Standard Applicant Information
The Standard Applicant Information section of the JustGrants application is pre-populated with
the SF-424 data submitted in Grants.gov. The applicant will need to review the Standard
Applicant Information in JustGrants and can make whatever edits are needed. Within this
section, the applicant will need to add ZIP codes for areas affected by the project; confirm their
Authorized Representative; and confirm the organization’s unique entity identifier, legal name,
and address.
Proposal Abstract
A Proposal Abstract (no more than 2,000 characters) summarizing the proposed project—
including its purpose, primary activities, expected outcomes, the service area, intended
beneficiaries, and subrecipients (if known)—must be completed in the JustGrants web-based
form. This abstract should be in paragraph form without bullets or tables, written in the third
person, and exclude personally identifiable information. Abstracts will be made publicly available
on the OJP and USASpending.gov websites if the project is awarded. Examples of brief
Proposal Abstracts are included below.
JAG Abstract Examples
• The city of [insert] will use JAG funds for overtime for increased patrols to bolster the
security of at-risk religious institutions, such as houses of worship and religious schools.
• The county of [insert] will use JAG funds to purchase police cruisers and officer personal
protected equipment for increased law enforcement operations.
Disparate JAG Abstract Example
The disparate jurisdictions of [insert] and [insert] will use JAG funds for technology
improvements and law enforcement equipment. Specifically, the county of [insert] will
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use JAG funds to replace its records management system, and the city of [insert] will
use JAG funds to purchase ruggedized laptops for officers.
Data Requested With Application
Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire
(including Applicant Disclosure of High-Risk Status)
The Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire helps OJP assess
what financial management and internal control systems the applicant has in place, whether
these systems would be sufficient to maintain a funding award, and the associated potential
risks of an applicant as part of the pre-award risk assessment process. Every OJP applicant
(other than an individual applying in their personal capacity, not representing an applicant
organization) is required to complete the web-based form in JustGrants. See the Application
Resource Guide: Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire
(including Applicant Disclosure of High-Risk Status) for additional guidance on how to complete
the questionnaire.
JAG Survey
Applicants will be required to respond to JAG specific survey questions as part of the
JustGrants application. Please refer to the steps below to help guide you through initiating,
completing, modifying, and obtaining the status of the survey in the JustGrants system:
• To initiate the survey, please click on the survey title to open.
• When you have completed the survey, please click the “Finish” button in the lower right
corner of the screen. The system will direct you to a review screen displaying your
survey responses.
• To go back to the main application screen, go to the “Actions” menu in the top right
corner of the screen and select “Close” to exit the survey review screen.
• The survey you just completed will still display an “Open” status. To confirm the
completed status of your survey, go back to the “Actions” menu and select “Refresh.”
The status of your completed survey will change to “Resolved—Completed.”
• If you would like to verify the responses to a completed survey, you may click the survey
title to reopen it and view your saved responses.
• If you would like to change and/or update the responses to a completed survey, you may
click the “Reopen” option to update your saved responses.
Proposal Narrative
Format of the Proposal Narrative: The Proposal Narrative will be submitted as an attachment
in JustGrants. The attached document should be double-spaced, using a standard 12-point size
font; have no less than 1-inch margins; have numbered pages; and should not exceed 10
pages.
Sections of the Proposal Narrative: The Proposal Narrative should include the three sections
listed below.
1. Description of the Issue: What critical issue or problem is the applicant proposing to
address with this project? Please include:
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• Identify the issues the unit(s) of local government intend(s) to address with JAG
funds, to include gaps in the jurisdiction’s needed resources for criminal justice
purposes.
• Include discussion of any issues that arose in administering previous fiscal years’ JAG
awards, if applicable, and how its strategy and funding priorities will address the
issues.
2. Project Design and Implementation: How will the proposed project address the need
identified and address the purpose of the NOFO? Please include:
• Describe the unit(s) of local government process, if any, for engaging stakeholders
from across the justice continuum and how that input informs priorities and decisions
on the statutory JAG program areas under which it will use funding.
• Describe how JAG funds will be coordinated with state and related justice funds.
• Provide description of the programs to be funded over the 4-year grant period, to
include any subawards.
3. Capabilities and Competencies: What administrative and technical capacity and
expertise does the applicant bring to successfully complete this project? Please include:
• Describe the applicant’s capacity to deliver the proposed project and meet the
requirements of the award, including collecting and reporting the required
performance measure data. Who will be responsible for this task, and how will the
applicant collect the data? Refer to Program Description: Performance Measures for
additional details on performance measures for this funding opportunity.
• Describe the fiscal agent’s capacity for administering the JAG award and subawards
during the four-year project period, to include required subrecipient monitoring.
• Describe any additional strategic planning and coordination efforts in which the unit
of local government participates with other criminal justice agencies.
• Please provide an overview of any evidence-informed programs that have been
implemented successfully and how those programs might inform implementation of
strategic plan priorities.
Project Evaluations: An applicant that proposes to use award funds to conduct project
evaluations must follow the guidance in the “Note on Project Evaluations” section in the
Application Resource Guide.
Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Attachment)
The applicant will complete the budget worksheet attachment and submit it by uploading it as an
attachment in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional
information.
In addition to those instructions, Local JAG applicants must include in the budget
worksheet the following:
• If using funds for administering the grant, provide clear designation for any cost line
items that are JAG administrative costs within each budget category and project year.
For example, in the line item description or explained in the narrative section.
• For applications for disparate groups, the preference is for the applicant to include a
single budget worksheet and narrative that lists each jurisdiction’s proposed costs by
category, labeled to distinguish the use between partner agencies. Alternatively,
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separate budget attachments for each partner of unit of local government are
acceptable.
For additional information about how to prepare a budget for federal funding, see the Application
Resource Guide section on “Budget Preparation and Submission Information.” For details on
the technical steps to complete the budget attachment and upload it in JustGrants, see the
Complete the Application in JustGrants: Budget training.
Funding Restrictions
See “Unallowable Use of Funds.”
Limitation on administrative costs: Funds may not be used for administrative costs that exceed
10 percent of the total award amount. This includes direct and any indirect costs.
Prohibition of supplanting: Funds may not be used to supplant state or local funds but must be
used to increase the amounts of such funds that would, in the absence of federal funds, be
made available.
Prohibited items: The JAG statute, at 34 U.S.C. § 10152, prohibits the use of JAG funds for
certain items, and prohibits the use of JAG funds for other items unless BJA grants a waiver.
The JAG Prohibited Expenditures Guidance provides lists, details, definitions, and procedures
for prohibited expenditures under the BJA JAG Program.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS (C-UAS): The purchase of UAS (also
referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, including their accessories) is allowable
under JAG only with express prior approval from BJA. To request such approval, the recipient
(or subrecipient, at any tier) must submit a written certification that only those UAS verified by
the Defense Contract Monitoring Agency's “Blue UAS Cleared List” or any successor list
(available at https://bluelist.appsplatformportals.us/) as not manufactured by a “covered foreign
entity” may be purchased or operated under the federal award. The certification also states that
no modifications or additional accessories may be introduced to the UAS funded by the award,
and that the purchased UAS will not be used to process, store, or transmit federal information.
The purchase of C-UAS is also allowable under JAG only with express prior approval from BJA.
To request such approval, the recipient (or subrecipient, at any tier) must submit a written
certification that C-UAS will only be procured and operated in compliance with all applicable
federal, state, and local laws and regulations (including criminal, surveillance, aviation, and
communications laws), that only federally-approved C-UAS purchases will be purchased, and
that the recipient has consulted qualified legal counsel to review the proposed purchase and
operation of the C-UAS. The certification also requires the recipient to complete federal training
requirements and obtain all required approvals, certifications, licenses, and authorizations prior
to deployment. The certification also states that no modifications or additional accessories may
be introduced to the C-UAS funded by the award.
The recipient or subrecipient also must assure BJA that the entity has sufficient policies and
procedures regarding privacy, civil liberties, and information technology cybersecurity related to
operation of the UAS or C-UAS. Finally, the recipient or subrecipient may be required to provide
additional documentation to verify purchase and the related policies for the UAS or C-UAS.
Additional information may be found on the BJA UAS website.
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Body Armor: A JAG award recipient that proposes to purchase body armor with JAG funding
must provide to OJP a certification(s) that it has a written “mandatory wear” policy in effect (see
34 U.S.C. § 10202(c)). The certification form related to mandatory wear can be found at: JAG
Body Armor Mandatory Wear Policy Certification. Further, before making any subawards for
body armor purchases, the direct JAG award recipient must collect a completed body armor
certification from the proposed subrecipient. Any such certifications must be maintained by the
direct JAG award recipient and made available to OJP upon request. For more information,
please refer to the JAG FAQs.
Body-worn Cameras (BWCs): A JAG award recipient that proposes to purchase BWC
equipment or implement or enhance BWC programs with JAG funding must provide to OJP a
certification(s) that it has policies and procedures in place related to BWC equipment usage,
data storage and access, privacy considerations, and training. The certification form related to
BWC policies and procedures can be found at: JAG BWC Policy Certification. Further, before
making any subawards for BWC-related expenses, the direct JAG award recipient must collect
a completed BWC certification from the proposed subrecipient. Any such certifications must be
maintained by the direct JAG award recipient and made available to OJP upon request. For
more information, please refer to the JAG FAQs.
Extreme Risk Protection Order Programs: An extreme risk protection order (ERPO) empowers
law enforcement, and in some states, family members, health care providers, and others to
petition a court for a civil order that temporarily prevents a person from accessing firearms if
they are found to be a danger to themselves. If states use their JAG funds to support ERPO
programs, ERPO programs must include, at a minimum:
1. Pre-deprivation and post-deprivation due process rights that prevent any violation or
infringement of the Constitution of the United States, including, but not limited to, the
Bill of Rights and the substantive or procedural due process rights guaranteed under
the 5th and 14th amendments to the Constitution of the United States, as applied to
the States and as interpreted by State courts and United States courts (including the
Supreme Court of the United States). Such programs must include, at the appropriate
phase to prevent any violation of constitutional rights, at minimum, notice, the right to
an in-person hearing, an unbiased adjudicator, the right to know opposing evidence,
the right to present evidence, and the right to confront adverse witnesses.
2. The right to be represented by counsel at no expense to the government.
3. Pre-deprivation and post-deprivation heightened evidentiary standards and proof that
mean not less than the protections afforded to a similarly situated litigant in federal
court or promulgated by the state’s evidentiary body, and sufficient to ensure the full
protections of the Constitution of the United States, including but not limited to the Bill
of Rights and the substantive and procedural due process rights guaranteed under the
5th and 14th amendments to the Constitution of the United States, as applied to the
States and as interpreted by State courts and United States courts (including the
Supreme Court of the United States). The heightened evidentiary standards and proof
under such programs must, at all appropriate phases to prevent any violation of any
constitutional right, at minimum, prevent reliance upon evidence that is unsworn or
unaffirmed, irrelevant, based on inadmissible hearsay, unreliable, vague, speculative,
and lacking a foundation.
4. Penalties for abuse of the program.
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Prior to the expenditure of FY25 JAG funds for an ERPO program, a Certification of Compliance
with Pub. L. No. 90-351, Title I, Sec. 501(a)(1)(I)(iv) must be signed by a principal legal officer
and submitted to BJA. See the JAG FAQs for additional information.
DNA Testing of Evidentiary Materials and Uploading DNA Profiles to a Database: If JAG
Program funds are to be used for DNA testing of evidentiary materials, any resulting eligible
DNA profiles must be uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), the national DNA
database operated by the FBI, by a government DNA lab with access to CODIS. JAG funds may
not be used for Rapid DNA testing of evidentiary material (e.g., crime scene samples, sexual
assault kits) because the FBI has not authorized results of this testing for upload to CODIS. No
DNA profiles generated with JAG funding may be entered into any other nongovernmental DNA
database without prior written approval from BJA. Additionally, award recipients utilizing JAG
funds for forensic genealogy testing must adhere to the DOJ Interim Policy Forensic
Genealogical DNA Analysis and Searching. For more information about DNA testing as it
pertains to JAG, please refer to the JAG FAQs.
Costs Associated With a Conference/Meeting/Training: An applicant that proposes to use
award funds for activities related to a conference, meeting, training, or similar event should
review the Application Resource Guide for information on prior approval, planning, and reporting
costs for a conference/meeting/training.
Costs Associated With Language Assistance and Access: If an applicant proposes a
program or activity that would deliver services or benefits to individuals, the costs of taking
reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to those services or benefits for individuals with
limited English proficiency may be allowable in specific grant programs. Costs to provide
reasonable accommodation and facilitate language access for individuals who are deaf or hard
of hearing may also be allowable in specific grant programs. See the Application Resource
Guide for information on costs associated with language assistance.
For additional information about how to prepare a budget for federal funding, see the Application
Resource Guide section on “Budget Preparation and Submission Information” and the technical
steps to complete the budget form in JustGrants in the Complete the Application in JustGrants:
Budget training.
Budget and Associated Documentation: Budget/Financial Attachments
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable): An applicant with a current, federally approved
indirect cost rate agreement should upload it as an attachment in JustGrants.
Indirect costs are costs of an organization that are not readily assignable to a particular project
but are necessary for the operation of the organization and the performance of the project.
Examples of costs usually treated as indirect include those incurred for operation and
maintenance of offices or workspaces and salaries of administrative or support staff. The
requirements for the development and submission of indirect cost proposals and cost allocation
plans are listed in Appendices III–VII of 2 C.F.R. Part 200. A non-federal applicant should follow
the guidelines applicable to its type of organization. See the DOJ Grants Financial Guide and
the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information on indirect cost rate
agreements.
Consultant Rate (if applicable): OJP has established maximum rates for consultants; see the
“Listing of Costs Requiring Prior Approval” section of the DOJ Grants Financial Guide for more
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information. If an applicant proposes a rate for a consultant on their project that is higher than
the established maximum rate and receives an award, then the award recipient must submit a
document requesting approval for the rate and cannot incur costs at the higher rate without prior
OJP approval. The award recipient must provide justification for why the proposed rate is higher
than the established maximum rate, such as why the rate is reasonable and consistent with that
paid for similar services in the marketplace.
Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation for Awards Over
$250,000; Waiver (if applicable): This notice of funding opportunity expressly modifies the OJP
Grant Application Resource Guide by not incorporating the “Limitation on Use of Award Funds
for Employee Compensation; Waiver” provisions in the “Financial Information” section of the
OJP Grant Application Resource Guide.
Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation (if applicable): This notice of
funding opportunity expressly modifies the Application Resource Guide by not incorporating its
“Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation” provisions. Applicants to this
funding opportunity are not required to provide this disclosure.
Additional Application Components
The applicant should attach the additional requested documentation listed below in JustGrants.
• Certifications and Assurances by the Chief Executive of the Applicant
Government: A JAG application is not complete, and a direct award recipient may not
access award funds, unless the chief executive of the applicant government (e.g., the
mayor, city manager, or presiding Board member) properly executes, and submits, the
“Certifications and Assurances by the Chief Executive of the Applicant Government”
found at: FY25 JAG – Certifications and Assurances by the Chief Executive of the
Applicant Government. This certification contains assurances that the governing body
notification and public comment requirements, which are required under the JAG statute
(at 34 U.S.C. § 10153(a)(2)), have been satisfied. OJP will not deny an application for a
JAG award for failure to submit these “Certifications and Assurances by the Chief
Executive of the Applicant Government” by the application deadline, but an award
recipient will not be able to access award funds (and its award will include a condition
that withholds funds) until it submits these certifications and assurances properly
executed by its respective Chief Executive. Memorandum of Understanding (if
applicable): Only required for disparate jurisdictions, as detailed in Formula Allocations.
At a minimum, the MOU must 1) identify which jurisdiction will serve as the applicant or
fiscal agent for the disparate group; and 2) identify the agreed upon funding amounts for
each locality. The MOU must be completed and signed by an official who has authority to
enter into a memorandum of understanding on behalf of each jurisdiction. Generally, BJA
would expect this to be the chief executive of the jurisdiction. Additional documentation
may be requested by BJA to determine signing authority. A sample MOU is available. If
the MOU is missing or incomplete, BJA will issue an award agreement, but funds will be
withheld until a properly executed MOU is submitted.
• BWC Policy Certification (if applicable): Only required if the direct recipient will be
using JAG funds for a BWC project. See Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative for
more information and link to the form. If the direct recipient is proposing to use funds for
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BWC but the certification is missing or insufficient, BJA will issue an award agreement,
but funds will be withheld until a certification is submitted.
• Body Armor Mandatory Wear Certification (if applicable): Only required if the direct
recipient will be using JAG funds for body armor. See Budget Worksheet and Budget
Narrative for more information and link to the form. If the direct recipient is proposing to
use funds for body armor but the certification is missing or insufficient, BJA will issue an
award agreement, but funds will be withheld until a certification is submitted.
• Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Certification (if applicable): Only required if
JAG funds will be used for an ERPO program. See Budget Worksheet and Budget
Narrative for more information and link to the form. If the application is proposing to use
funds for ERPO but the certification is missing or insufficient, BJA will issue an award
agreement, but funds will be withheld until a certification is submitted.
• Prohibited Expenditure Waiver Request (if applicable): Only required if a JAG
applicant would like to request a pre-award waiver to purchase a specific prohibited
expenditure request, as detailed in the JAG Prohibited Expenditure Guidance. A JAG
applicant may submit a waiver request with its application, by attaching the letter
described in the Guidance document in the “Procedures,” #2. If the application is
proposing to use funds for a JAG prohibited expenditure but the waiver request is
missing or insufficient, BJA will issue an award agreement, but funds will be withheld
until a waiver request is submitted and approved via grant award modification (GAM).
• Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Certification (if applicable): Only required if a JAG
application will include costs for UAS in the budget. See Budget Worksheet and Budget
Narrative for more information and link to the UAS certification. If the application is
proposing to use funds for UAS but the certification is missing or insufficient (or if the
requested budget information is not sufficient), BJA will issue an award agreement but
funds will be withheld until a UAS certification is submitted and approved via grant award
modification (GAM).
• Counter-UAS Certification (if applicable): Only required if a JAG application will
include costs for C-UAS in the budget. See Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative for
more information and link to the C-UAS certification. If the application is proposing to use
funds for C-UAS but the certification is missing or insufficient (or if the requested budget
information is not sufficient), BJA will issue an award agreement but funds will be
withheld until a C-UAS certification is submitted and approved via grant award
modification (GAM).
Disclosures and Assurances
The applicant will address the following disclosures and assurances.
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities: JustGrants will prompt each applicant to indicate if it is
required to complete and submit a lobbying disclosure under 31 U.S.C. § 1352.
The applicant is required by law to complete and submit a lobbying disclosure form (Standard
Form/SF-LLL) if it has paid or will pay any person to lobby in connection with the award for
which it is applying AND this application is for an award in excess of $100,000. This disclosure
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requirement is not applicable to such payments by an Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, or any
other Indian organization that are permitted by other federal law.
Lobbying means (for this requirement) influencing or attempting to influence an officer or
employee of any agency, a member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an
employee of a member of Congress. See 31 U.S.C. 1352; 28 C.F.R. part 69. Note: Most
applicants do not engage in activities that trigger this disclosure requirement.
An applicant that is not required by law (31 U.S.C. 1352) to complete and submit a lobbying
disclosure, should enter “No.” By doing so, the applicant is affirmatively asserting (under
applicable penalties) that it has nothing to disclose under 31 U.S.C. § 1352 with regard to the
application for the award at issue.
Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items: To ensure funding coordination across grantmaking
agencies, and to avoid unnecessary or inappropriate duplication of grant funding, the applicant
must disclose if it has any pending applications for federal funding, including pending
applications for subawards of federal funds, for the same project and the same budget items
included in this proposal. Complete the JustGrants Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost
Items form. See the Application Resource Guide for additional information.
DOJ Certified Standard Assurances: Review and accept the DOJ Certified Standard
Assurances in JustGrants. See the Application Resource Guide for additional information.
DOJ Certifications: Review the DOJ document Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment,
Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements;
Coordination with Affected Agencies. An applicant must review and sign the certification
document in JustGrants. See the Application Resource Guide for more information.
Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High-Risk Grantees (if applicable): If
applicable, submit the DOJ High-Risk Disclosure and Justification as an attachment in
JustGrants. A DOJ high-risk recipient is an award recipient that has received a DOJ high-risk
designation based on a documented history of unsatisfactory performance, financial instability,
management system or other internal control deficiencies, noncompliance with award terms and
conditions on prior awards, or that is otherwise not responsible. See the Application Resource
Guide for additional information.
Submission Dates & Times
Refer to Basic Information: Key Dates and Times for the submission dates and times.
Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible and recommended not later
than 48 hours before the deadlines. To be considered timely, the full application must be
submitted in JustGrants by the JustGrants application deadline. Applicants will use the “Certify
and Submit” feature in JustGrants to confirm that all required application components have been
entered, which includes identifying the Authorized Representative for the applicant. Once the
application is submitted, the Application Submitter, Authorized Representative, and Entity
Administrator receive a confirmation email.
An applicant will receive emails after successfully submitting application components in
Grants.gov and JustGrants and should retain all emails and other confirmations received from
the SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants systems.
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Experiencing Technical Issues Preventing Submission of
an Application (Technical Waivers)
If an applicant misses a deadline due to unforeseen technical issues with SAM.gov,
Grants.gov, or JustGrants, the applicant may request a waiver to submit an application
after the deadline. OJP will only consider requests to submit an application via
alternative methods or after the deadline when the applicant can document that there is
a technical issue with a government system that was beyond their control and that
prevents submission of the application via the standard process prior to the deadlines.
Issues resulting from circumstances within the applicant’s control, such as failure to
begin the SAM.gov, Grants.gov, or JustGrants registration and application process in
sufficient time, will not be considered.
Requests and documentation must be sent to the OJP Response Center at
OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov. Applicants should follow these steps if they
experience a technical issue:
1. Contact the relevant help desk to report the issue and receive a tracking
number.
See Basic Information: Contact Information for the phone numbers, email
addresses, and operating hours of the SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants
help desks. Reports of technical issues to the help desk must occur before the
application deadline.
If an applicant calls the help desk and experiences a long wait time, they can
also email the help desk to obtain a tracking number. Tracking numbers are
generated automatically when an applicant emails the applicable service desk,
and for this reason, long call wait times for support do not relieve the applicant
of the responsibility of getting a tracking number.
2. If an applicant has technical issues with SAM.gov or Grants.gov, the
applicant must contact the OJP Response Center at
OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov within 24 hours of the Grants.gov
deadline to request approval to submit after the deadline. The applicant’s
request will need to include:
• A description of the technical difficulties experienced (provide
screenshots if applicable).
• A timeline of the applicant’s submission efforts (e.g., date and time the
error occurred, date and time of actions taken to resolve the issue and
resubmit, and date and time support representatives responded).
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• An attachment of the complete grant application and all the
required documentation and materials (this serves as a “manual”
submission of the application).
• The applicant’s unique entity identifier (UEI).
• Any SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants Service Desk
tracking/ticket numbers documenting the technical issue.
3. If an applicant has technical issues with JustGrants that prevent
application submission by the deadline, the applicant must contact
the OJP Response Center at OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
within 24 hours of the JustGrants deadline to request approval to
submit after the deadline. See step 2 for the list of information the
applicant must provide as part of its request.
As a reminder: the waiver request will not be considered unless it includes
documentation of attempts to receive technical assistance to resolve the issue
prior to the application deadline. OJP will review each waiver request and the
required supporting documentation and notify the applicant whether the request
for late submission has been approved or denied. An applicant that does not
provide documentation of a technical issue (including all information previously
listed), or that does not submit a waiver request within the required time period,
will be denied.
For more details on the waiver process, OJP encourages applicants to review
the “Experiencing Technical Issues” section in the Application Resource Guide.
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APPLICATION REVIEW
Review Process and Criteria
OJP will review applications to ensure the applicant is eligible to receive JAG
formula funding per the JAG Allocations; and that information presented is
reasonable, understandable, measurable, achievable, and consistent with the goals of the
funding opportunity. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on the
application review process for formula grants.
Risk Review
Pursuant to the Part 200 Uniform Requirements, before award decisions are made, OJP also
reviews information related to applicant risk. OJP assesses whether an applicant with one or
more prior federal awards has a satisfactory record of performance, integrity, and business
ethics, including by (among other things) checking whether the applicant is listed in SAM.gov as
excluded from receiving a federal award.
Depending on the severity and nature of the risk factors, the risk assessment may result in
additional post-award conditions and oversight for any awarded applicant.
In addition, if OJP anticipates that an award will exceed $250,000 in federal funds, OJP also
must review and consider any information about the applicant that appears in the non-public
segment of the integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov.
Important Note on Responsibility/Qualification Data (formerly FAPIIS): An applicant may
review and comment on any information about its organization that currently appears in
SAM.gov and was entered by a federal awarding agency. OJP will consider such comments by
the applicant, in addition to the other information in SAM.gov, in its assessment of the risk posed
by the applicant.
Selection Process
All final award decisions will be made by the Assistant Attorney General, unless a statute
explicitly authorizes award decisions by another official or there is written delegation of authority
to another official. This official may consider not only program office recommendations but also
other factors as indicated in the “Application Review” section. For additional information on the
application review process, see the Application Resource Guide.
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AWARD NOTICES
Federal Award Notices
For successful applicants, JustGrants will send a system-generated email to the
Application Submitter, Authorized Representative, and Entity Administrator with
information on accessing their official award package in JustGrants. The award
package will include key information (such as funding amount and period of performance) as
well as award conditions that must be followed. An authorized representative for the entity
should accept or decline the award within 45 days of the notification. See the Application
Resource Guide for information on award notifications and instructions.
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POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND
ADMINISTRATION
Reporting
All award recipients under this funding opportunity will be required to submit the
following reports and data:
• Quarterly financial reports.
• Semi-annual (Category 2) or annual (Category 1) performance reports.
• Final financial and performance reports.
• If applicable, an annual audit report in accordance with the Part 200 Uniform
Requirements or specific award conditions.
• Quarterly DCRA reports.
See the Application Resource Guide for additional information on specific post-award reporting
requirements, including performance measure data and the method for submitting reports in
OJP’s online systems. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if reports are
delinquent (in appropriate cases, OJP may require additional reports).
Performance Measure Reporting
Award recipients are required to submit quarterly performance measure data in the
Performance Measurement Tool (PMT) and separately submit semi-annual or annual
performance reports in JustGrants depending on the category. Applicants selected for an award
will receive further guidance on post-award reporting processes.
Program-and Award-Specific Award Conditions
OJP includes various conditions on its awards. These may include program-specific conditions,
which typically apply to all recipients of a funding opportunity, and award-specific conditions,
which are included to address recipient-specific issues (e.g., programmatic or financial risk).
Recipients may view all conditions, and actions required to satisfy those conditions, in the award
package in JustGrants.
Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements
If selected for funding, in addition to implementing the funded project consistent with the OJP-
approved application, the recipient must comply with all award conditions and all applicable
requirements of federal statutes and regulations, including the applicable requirements referred
to in the assurances and certifications executed in connection with award acceptance. For
additional information on these legal requirements, see the “Administrative, National Policy, and
Other Legal Requirements” section in the Application Resource Guide.
Civil Rights Compliance
If a successful applicant accepts funding from OJP—as a recipient of OJP funding—that award
recipient must comply with certain federal civil rights laws that prohibit the award recipient from
discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or disability in how it
delivers its program’s services or benefits and in its employment practices. The civil rights laws
that may be applicable to the award include, but are not limited to, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, the nondiscrimination provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of
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1968, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These and other federal civil rights laws
are discussed in greater detail on OJP’s Legal Overview—FY 2025 Awards webpage under the
“Civil Rights Requirements” section. Additional resources are available from the OJP Office for
Civil Rights.
Compliance with Federal civil rights and nondiscrimination laws is material to the government’s
decision to make any award and payment under this program, including for purposes of the
False Claims Act, and each recipient will be required to certify (in it s acceptance of the
conditions of the award) that it does not operate any programs (including any such programs
having components relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion) that violate any applicable Federal
civil rights or nondiscrimination laws.
See OJP’s Partnerships with Faith-Based and Other Neighborhood Organizations webpage for
specific information for faith-based organizations applying under this NOFO.
Financial Management and System of Internal Controls
Award recipients and subrecipients (including recipients or subrecipients that are pass-through
entities) must, as described in the Part 200 Uniform Requirements set out at 2 C.F.R. 200.303,
comply with standards for financial and program management. See the Application Resource
Guide for additional information.
Information Technology Security Clauses
An application in response to this NOFO may require inclusion of information related to
information technology security. See the Application Resource Guide for more information.
Other Reporting Requirements
Applicants and recipients are required to notify OJP if you know that you or any of your
organization’s principals for the award transaction are presently excluded or disqualified (i.e.,
debarred or suspended) or otherwise meet any of the criteria in 2 C.F.R. 180.335. Recipients
must comply with requirements in 2 C.F.R. Part 180, as implemented by DOJ in 2 C.F.R. Part
2867, which, among other things, require recipients to check certain information sources and, in
some cases, notify the federal awarding agency prior to the agency awarding federal funds via
contracts or subawards.
If a recipient’s award includes a federal share of more than $500,000 over the period of
performance of the award, then the award (per 2 C.F.R. 200.113) will include a condition that
may require the recipient to report and maintain certain information (relating to certain criminal,
civil, and administrative proceedings) in SAM.gov. See the Reporting Requirements page for
more information.
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OTHER INFORMATION
Information Regarding Potential Evaluation of
Programs and Activities
OJP may conduct or support an evaluation of the projects and activities funded
under this NOFO. For additional information on what should be included in the application, see
the Application Resource Guide section “Information Regarding Potential Evaluation of
Programs and Activities.”
Freedom of Information and Privacy Act
See the Application Resource Guide for important information on the Freedom of Information
and Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 552 and 552a).
Applicants are advised not to include any unnecessary personally identifiable information,
sensitive law enforcement information, or confidential financial information with the application.
Provide Feedback to OJP
See the Application Resource Guide for information on how to provide feedback to OJP.
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APPLICATION CHECKLIST
BJA FY25 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance
Grant (JAG) Program – Local Formula
This application checklist has been created as an aid in developing an
application. For more information, reference the “OJP Application Submission Steps” in the OJP
Grant Application Resource Guide and the DOJ Application Submission Checklist.
SAM.gov Registration/Renewal
• Confirm that your entity’s registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is
active through the NOFO period; submit a new or renewal registration in SAM.gov, if
needed (see Application Resource Guide).
Grants.gov Registration
• Acquire an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and a Grants.gov username
and password (see Application Resource Guide).
• Acquire AOR confirmation from the E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC) (see
Application Resource Guide).
Grants.gov Opportunity Search
• Search for the funding opportunity in Grants.gov using the opportunity number,
assistance listing number, or keyword(s).
• Select the correct Competition ID.
• Access the funding opportunity and application package (see Step 7 under “OJP
Application Submission Steps” in the Application Resource Guide).
• Sign up for Grants.gov email notifications (optional) (see Application Resource Guide).
Funding Opportunity Review and Project Planning
• Review all sections of the NOFO.
• Confirm your entity is eligible to receive funding (see Eligibility: Eligible Applicants).
• Confirm your proposed budget is within the allowable limits (see Basic Information:
Funding Details), includes only allowable costs (see Application Contents, Submission
Requirements, and Deadlines: Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative), and includes
cost sharing if applicable (see Eligibility: Cost Sharing/Match Requirement).
• Review the performance measures for this funding opportunity and confirm you will be
prepared to collect and report on this data (see Program Description: Performance
Measures).
• Review the “Legal Overview—FY 2025 Awards” in the OJP Funding Resource Center
and confirm you are prepared to follow the requirements.
• Read OJP policy and guidance on conference approval, planning, and reporting under
“Listing of Costs Requiring Prior Approval” in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide or see the
Application Resource Guide.
Submission Step 1: Grants.gov
After registering with SAM.gov, submit the SF-424 in Grants.gov.
• Complete and submit the SF-424 by the deadline.
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• Confirm Section 8F of the SF-424 lists the name and contact information of the individual
who will complete the application in JustGrants.
• Submit documents for Intergovernmental Review.
• Confirm that, within 48 hours of your submission in Grants.gov, you receive four (4)
Grants.gov email notifications:
o A submission receipt
o A validation receipt
o A grantor agency retrieval receipt
o An agency tracking number assignment
If no Grants.gov receipt and validation email is received, or if error notifications are
received, contact the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline at 800-518-4726, 606-545-
5035, or support@grants.gov and the OJP Response Center at 800-851-3420 or
OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov regarding technical difficulties (see the Application
Resource Guide section on “Experiencing Unforeseen Technical Issues”).
• Confirm that, within 24 hours after receipt of confirmation emails from Grants.gov, the
individual listed in Section 8F of the SF-424 receives an email from JustGrants with login
instructions.
Submission Step 2: JustGrants
• Complete the following information:
o Entity and User Verification (first-time applicants)
o Standard Applicant Information
o Proposal Abstract
o Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (see
Application Resource Guide)
o JAG Survey
• Upload the Proposal Narrative.
• Upload the Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative attachment.
• Upload the other budget/financial attachments, as applicable.
• Upload additional application components, as applicable.
• Complete the required disclosures and assurances:
o Disclosure of Lobbying Activities and submission of SF-LLL, if prompted by the
system
o Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items
o DOJ Certified Standard Assurances
o Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High-Risk Grantees
• Complete the required DOJ Certification on Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and
Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; Coordination with
Affected Agencies.
JustGrants Review, Certification, and Application Submission
• Address any validation errors displayed on screen after attempted submission, then
return to the “Certify and Submit” screen to submit the application.
• Note the confirmation message at the top of the page. Users will also receive a
notification in the “bell” alerts confirming submission.
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• If you do not receive an application submission confirmation email or validation from
JustGrants, or if you receive an error notification, please contact the JustGrants Service
Desk at 833-872-5175 or JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov. See the Application Resource
Guide for additional information.
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